Where to Start | Malaysia’s No.1 Higher Education Website

Applying to your desired universities and colleges can be a process and requires a lot of documentation, so you must not forget any important (steps) during the process as it will affect your chances of enrolling in your dream school. Because of this, we will guide you step-by-step on the materials needed and the items that must be submitted to ensure that everything goes smoothly for you! Here are the step-by-step instructions on the processes of applying and a list of documents you need to submit for your application.&nbsp;Choosing Your Course&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77216/1162962478step 1.jpg" style="width: 555px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Choosing your course is the first step to your application process. Make sure the course is the right one and is something you are passionate about. Now, once you have chosen your course, finding the right study level is next. As mentioned before, there are 3 study levels; pre-university, undergraduate degrees and postgraduate degrees. So do cross-check your course and study level before you make any official applications. To check what courses are offered in Malaysia and the study levels, you may refer to our <a href="https://afterschool.my/course?utm_source=AFS&utm_medium=Article?utm_source=AFS&utm_medium=Article?utm_source=AFS&utm_medium=Article">course page</a>.&nbsp;Finding Institutions that Offer Your Course&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77216/1172295496step 2.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;After you have found your course and know what you want to further your studies in, it's time to find a place to continue. Finding the right institution is just as important as finding the right course, as it is a place where you will be spending your university days for a few years and somewhere you'll be create memories along the way, so having the right academic and social environment is crucial. Do scroll through <a href="https://afterschool.my/course?utm_source=AFS&utm_medium=Article?utm_source=AFS&utm_medium=Article?utm_source=AFS&utm_medium=Article">our institutions page</a> and find an environment that suits your needs and ensures a fun yet scholarly feel during your studies!Entry Requirements<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77216/1998219320step 3.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Entry requirements will determine whether you are suitable enough for the course and is up to the institution's level. Every institution and the course they offer has a particular skill set and different entry requirements. So to know what grades you need to be obtaining to get into your dream school, do have a look at their entry requirements and make sure you can score those grades before graduating from high school or pre-university qualifications. To know what you need, do have a look at our <a href="https://afterschool.my/course?utm_source=AFS&utm_medium=Article?utm_source=AFS&utm_medium=Article?utm_source=AFS&utm_medium=Article">course page</a>, browse through your desired courses and institution, and there you can find the entry requirements before applying to the schools.&nbsp;Application Process&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77216/1311324253step 4.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;The application process is the longest process when it comes to applying to your desired school, it usually takes months and requires you to start the process the final year of your high school career or pre-university qualification. While the application process may be hectic and confusing, Afterschool ensures you that during the process we will guide you step-by-step from the beginning till the very end when you receive a letter of offer from the university. Here is the step-by-step process of applying to universities and college via Afterschool.&nbsp;Apply Through Us&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77216/145727554step 5.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Firstly, to receive guidance from the Afterschool team, you must fill in a form that can be found on the afterschool website via the courses page. So, know your desired course first and find the institution you wish to study at. When you have found these necessary items, you fill find an apply online button and through this, a form will be provided where you will give the information that will help the Afterschool team guide you on your application process after submitted. The process for filling in the form is shown visually below to prevent any confusion and make the process easy and smooth!&nbsp;Step 1: Finding Your Desired Institution (Example: Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur)&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77216/974129707step 6.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Step 2: Finding Your Desired Course via the Institution's Page&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77216/1290619285step 7.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Step 3: Click 'Apply Now' and Filling In The Form Provided&nbsp;Counsellor Advice and Guidance&nbsp;After filling in and submitting the form, the Afterschool Counsellors will contact you and help guide you on the application process! This will make things easier and make the process go smoothly as they will advise you on which institutions are a perfect fit for you, cross-check on your entry requirements, send relevant documents to the institution on your behalf and will stay till you have received a letter of offer from the university or college of your choice.Cross-Checking with Your Entry Requirements&nbsp;As mentioned above, your entry requirements are very important and will determine whether you can enrol in the institution of your choice. With the counsellor guidance, they will give you advice on whether you are capable of enrolling in your desired institutions and if not, they will help you find institutions that are a perfect fit for you based on your current grades. Because of this, you will have to provide your trial results (if you are still in your academic career and have not yet received your final grades) or submitting your final examination results after they have been published. After your submission, they will cross-check your grades with the institution that you want to apply for.&nbsp;Sending Relevant Documents&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77216/1748471514step 8.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">When you have met the minimum entry requirements for the course of your choice, they counsellors will contact you again and ask you to submit all the relevant documents needed for the college or university application. Such relevant documents are; a copy of your ID/Passport, your final examination grades (from high school or pre-university), academic transcripts, reference letters, proof of language proficiency, statement of purpose, and a portfolio. After you have submitted these documents to the counsellor, the counsellors will submit these supporting documents along with your application to the university. After they have been submitted, you will just have to wait until the institution has approved your application and send a letter of offer.&nbsp;Results &amp; Letter of Offer&nbsp;The final but the most nerve-wracking part of the application process is receiving your results and finding out whether you have cut into the school of your dreams. Every student dreads this moment but there is nothing to worry about as the counsellors have made sure that the institution that you applied for is the one for you! After everything has been processed by the institution, they will send you a letter determining whether you will become a future student in the institution. If you have made the cut and have become a successful candidate, you will receive a letter of offer and when you do, you will now be in the hands of the institution and finish your application process with them (eg, accepting the offer, paying the admission and registration fees, finding your dormitory or place of study during your studies, etc). If not, it's okay! You can apply again somewhere else and maybe you'll be successful then, so no need to be worried!&nbsp;Visa ApplicationAfter accepting your letter of offer from the institution, before you can fly out of the country to the place of study, you must go through the necessary visa applications. You will need to receive a student visa before you can fly to Malaysia because if you do not have the visa you will not be granted access into the country. So before booking any tickets and packing your bags, you must apply for your visa. The visa application process will be shown in guidance with the school of your choice and they will help guide you on the step-by-step process on applying for an international student visa for Malaysia.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77216/1062484560step 9.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Visa Application Process (Example: Monash University Malaysia)&nbsp;Registration&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77216/1330463565step 10.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Lastly, after everything has been settled with your visa, you can now fly to Malaysia to start on the new leg of your academic career. You can now settle in your dormitory or apartment (if you choose to live outside) and finish your registration in the campus, go on a campus tour after things have been settled with the admission and fee office and wait for the orientation week that is normally held a week before your classes start. Now, you can enjoy the next three to four years of your tertiary academic career and create new memories with the new friends you will make along the way in your new environment. We wish you luck and hope you enjoy your university life in Malaysia!

Steps to apply

Malaysia is a wonderful country to reside in and if you’re planning to study here with our prestigious universities, you need to prepare your finances. The cost of living here in Malaysia is relatively lower than, say, Singapore – although it all depends on your chosen lifestyle.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77215/1262537911malaysia living cost.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;&nbsp;But no worries. Our guide will help you plan accordingly so that you are financially prepared for a life in Malaysia!. (Do note that these are only rough estimations and are in Malaysian Ringgit. You can convert to your currency <a href="http://www.xe.com/">here</a>!)&nbsp;Accommodation First and foremost is your accommodation. Now, accommodation in Malaysia varies in prices, depending on the location. For instance, living in Kuala Lumpur is going to be very expensive since it’s the capital of the country. But below is the estimated average cost of the accommodations you can find in Malaysia, specifically Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur:&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77215/1113766382CL 1.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;TransportationLuckily for all of us, getting around in Malaysia is a piece of cake! Malaysia has three types of trains that links between Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, and sometimes even to other states. Buses are frequent (although they sometimes don’t follow the schedule as much) and e-hailing services such as mycar, Grabs are great backup plans. But once again, it depends in your location and where you want to go.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77215/335418753CL 2.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;FoodFood is our fuel and is definitely an important expense to consider. In Malaysia, where cuisines from all around the world can be found, how much should you prepare financially if you plan to eat often? And what about the groceries?&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77215/313584582CL 3.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Education feesEducation fees is yet another important expense you need to consider before you move to Malaysia. But this factor heavily depends on what and where you’re studying.&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Pre-university:</li></ul>&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77215/21311696CL 4.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree:</li></ul>&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77215/1235038809CL5.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Postgraduate Programmes:</li></ul>&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77215/81919122CL6.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Other expensesThere are also other expenses you need to consider:&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77215/260048153CL 7.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;And there you have it, your guide to the cost of living in Malaysia. If you’re curious for more information, just refer to our <a href="https://afterschool.my/ebook/studying-in-malaysia-on-a-budget-for-international-students?utm_source=AFS&utm_medium=Article">e-book</a> for free!

Cost of Living in Malaysia

The level of higher education in Malaysia has been on the rise, based on annual QS World University Ranking results. It is not surprising then for the country to be a popular place to study for among foreign students.&nbsp;High number of international studentsThere are more than 122,000 international students currently studying in Malaysia. These students come from more than 136 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Malaysia is ranked #12 in UNESCO (2015) statistics for preferred education destinations in the world among international students.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77211/1456368189foreign 1.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Malaysia offers a wide range of tertiary educationMalaysia has been involved in international education for the last 30 years and the country has been constantly increasing the number of high-quality courses offered in universities. This includes twinning programmes at local colleges and international qualifications offered at foreign branch campuses.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77211/1836127146nottongham.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;High ranking universitiesFive Malaysian universities are listed in the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings of 2020 with University Malaya (UM) ranking the highest at #70! Not only that, up to nine universities have a five-star QS rating.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77211/1444095772QS_Universiti_Ranking_2020_19062019.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;11 international branch campusesReputable foreign universities have set up branch campuses in Malaysia, offering students a diverse choice of education. These universities originate to take a leap towards internationalisation for Higher Education. Currently, there are 11 foreign branch campuses that originating from the UK, Australia, Ireland and China. Examples include University of Nottingham Malaysia, Southampton University, Monash University Malaysia, RCSI &amp; UCD Malaysia Campus and Xiamen University Malaysia Campus.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77211/153268290monashh.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Lower living and tuition costDid you know that the cost of tuition in a foreign branch campus can be up to three times lower in Malaysia as compared to taking the same course at the home university? Not only that, overall living expenditure is also among the most affordable in the region. However, don’t let the more affordable cost fool you, the quality of education is top-notch and is not impacted in any way.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77211/1802760645cafeteria_2.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;University courses are under the purview of the Education MinistryMalaysia’s Education Ministry keeps a close eye on programmes and courses offered at all universities operating in the country. No matter what course you choose, you can be sure the Federal Government has carefully evaluated and approved it.&nbsp;Well thought-out support Education is a big contributor to the nation’s GDP. Hence, international students can take advantage of a well thought out support framework that will make your transition into Malaysia a pleasant and enjoyable one. Visit https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/ for more info.

Facts About Studying in Malaysia

Malaysia is a top tourism destination that is fast becoming a health tourism hub in Asia. However, this lush, beautiful country is also a great choice for higher education.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77210/1305119006MALAYSIA.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Intriguing diversityMalaysia is a diverse and multiracial country, making it a perfect place to introduce all visitors to different cultural customs and traditions. Do not worry about being the odd one out here; there is no one way to be in Malaysia and people here are known for their hospitality.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77210/1309977451malaysia.png" style="width: 1005px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Along with the different cultures come the festive celebrations. Where else can you find people of different faiths coming together to celebrate Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, Christmas and many more? Come and experience dynamic and exciting student life and prepare to be awed.&nbsp;Food!Nasi lemak, roti canai, sate, dimsum, mee wantan, banana leaf rice; the list goes on and on. Malaysia is a haven for foodies and you will never find yourself without a new option to sample during meal time. Malay, Chinese, Indian, Western and even Korean cuisine, you name it, Malaysia has it! Plus, if you want to try exotic fruits and indigenous cuisine, Malaysia is the place to be.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77210/1963830522malay food.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77210/905727383food.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Ample destinations to relax and visitOne of the best reasons to come to Malaysia is the beautiful vacation destinations you can visit during study breaks. Within its borders lie the nation’s capital Kuala Lumpur, cooler destinations Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands, the historic cities of Malacca and Penang, and many more. If you are a fan of the outdoors, you will be spoilt for choice as there are many wonderful beaches, rainforests and caves that you can visit. Look out for rare fauna and flora that are unique to this country.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77210/688147408cameron-highlands-tour-from-penang.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Ease of communicationAlthough the official language is Bahasa Malaysia, English is widely spoken in the country. It is, after all, the main medium of communication in the corporate sector and universities. As an added bonus, studying in Malaysia provides you with the opportunity to learn an additional language or two as you will likely mix with coursemates from multiple ethnic backgrounds.&nbsp;Welcoming and friendly localsMalaysia is ranked the 16th in the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2019. The crime rate in Malaysia is very low. People are very helpful and open to the foreigners that visit. Overall, it’s a welcoming and safe country.&nbsp;Public transportationTransportation in Malaysia is comfortable and affordable. Kuala Lumpur is a metropolitan area and there are lots of transportation that you can choose from, which makes getting around easier. According to the survey done by Taxi2Airport, Malaysia’s public transport is the cheapest in Southeast Asia, with an average ticket for bus and train (MRT, LRT, monorail, KTM, ERL) costing around RM3.00 for transit across a few stations.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77210/1441090895mrt.jpg" style="width: 1005px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77210/2088491611mrtt.jfif" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;Low living expenses &nbsp;When it comes to living in Malaysia for foreigners it can be very cheap, especially when your currency exchange rate is high in your respective country compared to Malaysia. Food, transportation, shopping, entertainment and education are usually highly affordable, so you do not have to worry about financial issues while you are here. However, when coming to Malaysia, do know your budget, how much you earn monthly and how much you are willing to spend during your stay here, especially if you plan on staying here a long time.https://www.instarem.com/blog/an-expats-guide-to-the-cost-of-living-in-malaysia,

Reasons to Study in Malaysia

Explore Your Study Options in Malaysia

To bring your family members to Malaysia with you, you need to apply for a Malaysia Dependent Pass. The Malaysia Dependent Pass is a visa for families issued to foreigners in Malaysia.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77199/816714525family 2.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;1. Am I allowed to bring my dependents with me? If you are a full-time student in Malaysia on a course/programme that is more than twelve months long (a year), then yes!2. Who qualifies as my dependents?&nbsp;A dependent pass is only applicable to your family members. Therefore, your dependents are your spouse, your children under the age of 21 years old, and your parents.If you have an adopted child, the child also qualifies as your dependent. Do prepare their adoption certificates, however!3. Who will approve my Dependent Pass?The Immigration Department of Malaysia will approve your dependent pass; however, you must notify your education institution/university if you intend to bring dependents with you.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77199/1734824854family 3.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;4. Who is eligible to apply for a Malaysia Dependent Pass?&nbsp;If you are studying, postgraduate students from all countries are eligible to apply for a dependent pass. You must be enrolled in either a public or private education institutional/university and have a student pass as issued by the Immigration Department.5. What about undergraduate students?&nbsp;Only undergraduate students from the following 17 countries can apply for a Malaysia Dependent Pass:<ol><li>Saudi Arabia</li><li>Bahrain</li><li>United Arab Emirates (UAE)</li><li>Turkey</li><li>Qatar</li><li>Azerbaijan</li><li>Palestinian Territories</li><li>Kuwait</li><li>Yemen</li><li>Iran</li><li>Syria</li><li>Oman</li><li>Jordan</li><li>Lebanon</li><li>Iraq</li><li>Libya</li><li>Maldives</li></ol>6. What is the application process like?&nbsp;Your education institution/university will oversee the handling of the Malaysia Dependent Pass on your behalf. Once your student pass has been issued, the application will be made through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).To apply for a Malaysia Dependent Pass, the following documents are essential:<ul><li>A copy of the student’s latest student pass</li><li>A copy of student offer letter from the education institutional/university</li><li>A copy of student passport (front page, visa page – A4 size)</li><li>A copy of dependent passport (all pages including empty pages – A4 size)</li></ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Recommended passport validity is at least 12 months from the intended date of arrival in Malaysia<ul><li>2 passport size photographs of the dependents</li></ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - 45mmx35mm&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - White background<ul><li>Proof of family relationships (translated and certified by the Embassy OR letter from embassy)</li></ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Marriage certificate&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Birth certificate for parents/children&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Custody letter of the child (if applicable)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Adoption letter of the child (if applicable)<ul><li>Forms of payments</li></ul>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Cheque/bank draft issued and payable to EMGS&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Cheque dated less than 6 months from the current date&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Inter-bank transfer slipAfter making your application through the education institutional/university, EMGS and the Immigration Department will process the documents.Once approved, Immigration will issue your dependants with a Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) for a maximum duration of 12 months at a time. The LTSVP will only be valid for as long as the student has a valid student pass.&nbsp;7. What is the cost of the Dependent Pass? If you are planning to apply for a Malaysia Dependent Pass, you need to prepare for the following fees:<img src="https://api.afterschool.com.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/77199/178208946dependent fees malaysia.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;And there you have it - bringing your family to Malaysia is possible! With the dependent pass, you can bring your loved ones to Malaysia as you embark on your journey to higher education.

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